Shipping Organizations: Protecting Salish Sea Is a Shared Responsibility

Canada’s Chamber of Shipping and the US-based Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) have urged governments of the two nations to respect the binational collaboration aimed at protecting the Salish Sea.  

Both organizations are focused on the Pacific Northwest and the Salish Sea as a vital gateway for marine commerce in Canada and the United States, and as a significant part of the larger North American supply chain.

The Salish Sea is said to be “a sensitive ecosystem” and, while it plays a crucial role in the countries’ economies, ensuring its ecological sustainment and protecting species at risk is a shared responsibility, according to the two organizations.

The marine transportation industry is committed to doing its part, including supporting the recovery of the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale. In fact, both organizations are active participants in the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s ECHO program, which seeks to better understand and manage the impact of shipping activities on whales in the Salish Sea.

“It’s encouraging to see the commitment of numerous people, organizations, and governments to protecting the Salish Sea and we share this commitment,” Robert Lewis-Manning, President of the Chamber of Shipping, said.

“We encourage governments at all levels to respect the commitment made by both countries to international standards through the International Maritime Organization and to implement and enforce them federally,” Lewis-Manning added.

“Our comprehensive and interconnected marine safety system is producing remarkable results,” Captain Mike Moore, Vice President of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, commented.

“Zero spills from cargo vessels in transit is an important ongoing achievement as is the elimination of substandard vessels by Federal port state control inspectors. Additionally, international requirements now include locating fuel tanks away from the hull, the use of improved collision avoidance technology and the transition to cleaner non-persistent diesel fuels or LNG – and there is more to come,” he continued.

PMSA represents ocean carriers, agents and container terminal operators on the west coast engaging in international and domestic trade promoting safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sound maritime operations.

The Chamber of Shipping represents commercial carriers and their agents in Canada which trade internationally and domestically.